Isabela Moner Movies and Tv Shows: From Nickelodeon to the DCU

Tracing the career trajectory of an actor who transitioned from a child star to a powerhouse in major cinematic universes requires looking at a diverse portfolio. Isabela Moner, who officially began using the professional name Isabela Merced in 2019, has established a filmography that spans Nickelodeon sitcoms, high-octane action sequels, and critically acclaimed prestige television. As of early 2026, her presence in the entertainment industry is defined by her ability to move between indie dramas and massive franchise tentpoles like the DC Universe and the Alien series.

The Nickelodeon Foundation and Early Television

The foundation of the Isabela Moner movies and tv shows catalog began in the mid-2010s, primarily within the Nickelodeon ecosystem. Her breakout role as CJ Martin in the series 100 Things to Do Before High School (2014–2016) remains a touchstone for younger audiences. The show, which focused on a group of friends attempting to make the most of their pre-high school years, allowed her to showcase both comedic timing and musical ability.

During this same period, her involvement with the Dora the Explorer franchise began, albeit in a different capacity than her later live-action work. She provided the voice for Kate in Dora and Friends: Into the City! (2014–2017). This early collaboration with a global brand likely paved the way for her eventual casting as the titular character in the 2019 live-action film. Other notable early TV projects included a recurring role in the sitcom Growing Up Fisher (2014) and leading roles in television movies such as Splitting Adam (2015) and Legends of the Hidden Temple (2016).

Breaking into Major Motion Pictures: 2017–2018

The transition from television to major film roles was marked by a significant shift in genre. In 2017, she appeared as Izabella in Michael Bay’s Transformers: The Last Knight. Playing a street-smart orphan who survived in a post-apocalyptic urban landscape, the role required a combination of physical stamina and emotional intensity. While the film followed the established blockbuster formula, it introduced her to a global audience and demonstrated her capacity to hold her own alongside industry veterans.

In 2018, her career took a more dramatic and gritty turn with Sicario: Day of the Soldado. Playing Isabel Reyes, the daughter of a drug cartel leader, she received positive notices for a performance that demanded subtlety and vulnerability amidst extreme violence. This role is often cited as the moment she moved beyond the "child actor" label, proving she could handle mature, R-rated material with professional gravitas.

That same year, she showcased her range by returning to family-oriented content in Instant Family. Starring as Lizzy, a foster child navigating a new life with adoptive parents, her performance balanced teenage rebellion with profound emotional depth. This role also allowed her to contribute to the soundtrack, highlighting her multi-hyphenate status as a singer and songwriter.

Leading Roles and the 2019 Name Change

2019 was a pivotal year, marked by the release of Dora and the Lost City of Gold. Her portrayal of a more mature, adventurous Dora Marquez was viewed as a successful modernization of the character, blending earnestness with action-hero physicality. The film was a significant commercial and critical success in the family adventure genre.

Following the release of Dora, she announced her professional name change to Isabela Merced, honoring her late grandmother and signaling a new chapter in her career. The first major project released under this name was the Netflix holiday ensemble film Let It Snow (2019), followed by the action thriller Sweet Girl (2021), where she played the daughter of Jason Momoa’s character. These projects solidified her relationship with streaming platforms and her status as a reliable lead for action-oriented narratives.

The Expansion of the 2020s: Horror, Sci-Fi, and Superheroes

In recent years, particularly leading into 2024 and 2025, the Isabela Moner movies and tv shows list has expanded into some of the most iconic franchises in history.

Alien: Romulus (2024)

Directed by Fede Álvarez, this installment in the Alien franchise saw her playing Kay, a member of a group of space scavengers. The film was noted for its return to the practical effects and claustrophobic horror of the original entries. Her role was integral to the film’s tension, further establishing her as a versatile performer in the sci-fi horror space.

Madame Web (2024)

She entered the world of Marvel characters as Anya Corazón in Madame Web. While the film's reception was varied, it provided her with experience in the superhero genre and a chance to work within the Sony Pictures Universe of Marvel Characters. This experience likely served as a precursor to her later casting in more prominent comic book roles.

Turtles All the Way Down (2024)

Based on the novel by John Green, this film featured her in the role of Aza Holmes. The project allowed her to return to character-driven drama, focusing on themes of mental health and adolescent complexity. Critics noted that her performance brought a necessary sensitivity to the portrayal of OCD, reinforcing her reputation for handling delicate subject matter.

Recent Milestones: The Last of Us and the DCU

By 2025, her career reached new heights with two of the most anticipated projects in the industry.

The Last of Us Season 2 (2025)

In the HBO adaptation of the acclaimed video game, she took on the role of Dina. As a significant character in the journey of Ellie, Dina required an actor who could project both warmth and a hardened survivalist instinct. The chemistry between the leads and her faithful realization of a beloved game character were widely discussed throughout the season's airing. The show's massive viewership numbers made this one of her most high-profile television roles to date.

Superman (2025)

Perhaps the most significant shift in her career trajectory occurred with her casting as Kendra Saunders, also known as Hawkgirl, in James Gunn’s Superman. As part of the new DC Universe (DCU), this role places her at the center of a long-term franchise plan. The film’s release in 2025 was a major cultural event, and her portrayal of the winged warrior was praised for its physicality and commanding screen presence. This role is expected to continue across multiple films and television series, including potential appearances in Peacemaker.

Complete Filmography: Movies

The following is a structured list of film projects involving Isabela Merced (formerly Moner):

Complete Filmography: Television and Streaming

Her television work highlights a transition from youth-oriented programming to high-stakes drama.

Voice Acting and Musical Contributions

Beyond her live-action roles, the Isabela Moner movies and tv shows portfolio is notable for extensive voice work. Her involvement in Spirit Untamed and Migration demonstrates her appeal in the animation sector. Furthermore, her background in musical theater—having debuted on Broadway at age ten in Evita—has informed several of her projects. She often contributes to the soundtracks of her films, such as the song "I'll Stay" for Instant Family and various musical numbers in the Nickelodeon series.

Future Outlook and 2026 Projects

As of April 2026, her schedule remains densely packed with projects that suggest a continued focus on large-scale franchises. The expansion of the DC Universe remains a primary pillar of her career, with rumors of a standalone Hawkgirl project or a prominent role in an ensemble Justice League film being discussed in industry circles. Additionally, her work in the horror genre continues with upcoming roles that leverage the success she found in Alien: Romulus.

In the indie sphere, there are indications of her seeking roles that challenge her dramatic range, similar to the work seen in Turtles All the Way Down. Having successfully navigated the transition from a child star to an established adult actor with a global profile, the diversity of her upcoming roles suggests a deliberate effort to avoid being typecast in any single genre.

Readers looking for the latest updates on her filmography should monitor announcements from major studios, particularly those involved with the DCU and HBO, as her involvement in these high-profile properties often leads to long-term commitments across multiple seasons and sequels. The evolution from the young girl in 100 Things to Do Before High School to a central figure in modern cinematic universes is a testament to a strategic selection of roles and a consistent presence across various media formats.